Merchandise Planner

Maurices•Duluth, MN

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Merchandise Planner is responsible for driving the financial planning process in support of the merchant strategy and company goals. The Planner builds and presents pre-season financial plans using customer analytics that support the merchant’s vision at a category/channel level. Is responsible for effectively distorting the business for assigned product category by identifying opportunities and risks through monthly in-season forecast updates.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience is required
2+ years of retail planning/allocation experience is required
Working knowledge of computers with high level of proficiency in excel, word, and database warehouse tools.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills coupled with excellent organizational and communication skills.
Proactive, curious, independent and critical thinker with ability to work in team-oriented environment.
Ability to develop strong, effective cross-functional relationships.
Ability to confidently assert his/her position, while using facts and data to support conclusions and recommendations.
Open and agile to change – flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
Influencing skills – ability to package and present analysis and recommendations to leadership of varying levels.

Responsibilities

Build annual sales, margin, and inventory plans for assigned category: Accountable for delivering solid annual financial plans and strategies in accordance with the Product Lifecycle Calendar (PLC) meeting cadence. Initiate and own plan discussions and development and prepare the cross functional team for milestone meetings.
Prepare and present season/class plans through: research and analysis of data, appropriate interpretation of historical data, trend analysis, work with pricing and promotions team, and collaboration with cross functional partners that support total company financial goals.
Open To Buy/Inventory management: Develops monthly reforecast of sales, margin and inventory plans. Analyzes historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities and to make recommendations for action. Discuss and communicate forecast with team and hold merchant partners accountable for results.
Analysis: Weekly and/or monthly reporting
Develop ad hoc analyses, recaps, and ladder plans as appropriate
Understanding of how trends within your category impact the business as a whole
Utilize APT or partners with APT knowledge to analyze geographic, demographic, promotional, or other impacts on business or basket analysis by orchestrating test and learn scenarios.
Create and maintain strong partnerships: Positively impact and influence others by advocating position supported with data and analytics. Clearly communicate and collaborate with key business partners including merchants, planning analysts, allocation, and planning peers. Other partners include pricing/promotions team, Company Planning, and Visual/Site Merchandising.

Benefits

Choice of three medical plans, including a PPO plan or High-Deductible plans.
High-Deductible plans offer the option of a Health Savings Account, with employer contribution.
Dental, and Vision coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care)
Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage
Voluntary Life, Spouse, and Child Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability coverage.
Basic Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability coverage
Wellbeing platform with Personify Health
Employee Assistance Program available for associates and their families.
401(k), which offers an immediately vested Safe Harbor matching contribution.
Tuition Assistance program
PTO benefits, including vacation (with accrual or flexible options based on role), annual sick time awards, holiday pay
Two weeks of New Parent Leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement.
Continuous opportunities for learning, connection building through Associate Resource Groups
For Duluth based associates, free access to a state-of-the-art onsite Fitness Facility.